Living Vincentian Today

St. John's launched the program "to move Vincentian theory and history into
everyday practice," explained Program Coordinator Sue Scacalossi. "We wanted
to provide a tangible way for them to live out the mission," she added, "enabling
them to bring it back to their offices and families" as lay leaders in the effort.
The 16-month program comprised three components: education, service and reflection.
Participants were required to attend sessions on Vincentian Spirituality, Vincentian
Heritage and Social Teachings of the Church facilitated by vowed Vincentians. They
also were asked to perform a minimum of 50 hours of service,
two-thirds of which was in direct service to the poor. Most far
surpassed that requirement, Ms. Scacalossi noted.
Each month participants met to reflect on their experiences
in soup kitchens, nursing homes, homeless shelters and
other service arenas. Ms. Scacalossi stressed that those
reflections went a long way toward building community
among the participants.
A strong bond developed among the participants,
Ms. Scacalossi observed. "It was great to see people (from
different departments) networking with each other on
initiatives. Twenty-five different departments from within
the University were represented among the graduating cohort."
"It represents an amazing diversity," she added.
VMC participants recently attended a Vincentian Heritage Retreat in
Germantown, PA. and had the opportunity to tour facilities working in direct
service to the poor. They visited Face to Face, an organization dedicated to the
health and stability of the entire community.
The building housing the organization was in serious need of repair, so VMC
participants raised $7,500 to aid in those efforts and presented the check to
Fr. Carroll during the ceremony.
"It's important to solve the bigger
issues but it's also important to help the
person who's right in front of you who
needs you at that moment," said Nancy
Kaplan, Ed.D., Associate Vice President,
Division of Academic Support Services.
Dr. Kaplan said she has always been
keen ly aware of the blessings she has
enjoyed in her life. A longtime member

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St. John's launched the program "to move Vincentian theory and history into
everyday practice," explained Program Coordinator Sue Scacalossi. "We wanted
to provide a tangible way for them to live out the mission," she added, "enabling
them to bring it back to their offices and families" as lay leaders in the effort.
The 16-month program comprised three components: education, service and reflection.
Participants were required to attend sessions on Vincentian Spirituality, Vincentian
Heritage and Social Teachings of the Church facilitated by vowed Vincentians. They
also were asked to perform a minimum of 50 hours of service,
two-thirds of which was in direct service to the poor. Most far
surpassed that requirement, Ms. Scacalossi noted.
Each month participants met to reflect on their experiences
in soup kitchens, nursing homes, homeless shelters and
other service arenas. Ms. Scacalossi stressed that those
reflections went a long way toward building community
among the participants.
A strong bond developed among the participants,
Ms. Scacalossi observed. "It was great to see people (from
different departments) networking with each other on
initiatives. Twenty-five different departments from within
the University were represented among the graduating cohort."
"It represents an amazing diversity," she added.
VMC participants recently attended a Vincentian Heritage Retreat in
Germantown, PA. and had the opportunity to tour facilities working in direct
service to the poor. They visited Face to Face, an organization dedicated to the
health and stability of the entire community.
The building housing the organization was in serious need of repair, so VMC
participants raised $7,500 to aid in those efforts and presented the check to
Fr. Carroll during the ceremony.
"It's important to solve the bigger
issues but it's also important to help the
person who's right in front of you who
needs you at that moment," said Nancy
Kaplan, Ed.D., Associate Vice President,
Division of Academic Support Services.
Dr. Kaplan said she has always been
keen ly aware of the blessings she has
enjoyed in her life. A longtime member